APT Needs Strong Leader to Take It to the Next Level, Defend Members, Says CSO Mekaowulu
…Declares intention to run for president
Chief Mekaowulu during the media chat
Barely two months to the change of leadership of the Association of Progressive Traders (APT) in the Trade Fair Market, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, a frontline contender for the position of President-General, Chief Chuka Christian Mekaowulu, has taken a bold step, promising to take the market to the next level of sustainable progress and peace of mind for stakeholders.
In a media chat on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the APT ultramodern office in the market, Chief Mekaowulu promised to invest heavily in human capital development by holistically empowering at least 200 youths in the market.
He also promised to address the perennial erosion in the market by providing an ultramodern drainage system, as well as light up the market through solar installations. He further pledged to take drastic measures to tackle the problem of estimated billing, thereby ensuring that electricity bills are moderate.
He also promised to work closely with the state government to stop the incessant demolition of shops, while, in addition, procuring an ambulance to be stationed in the market to take charge of emergency situations.
He said, “I will make sure we have ultramodern drainage that can make water flow well. I will invest massively in human capital, bringing foreign investors to make sure 100 to 200 youths are holistically empowered.
“My administration will make sure we have solar lighting in the market to provide adequate illumination, especially at night, so that security will work well.
“By the grace of God, we will provide an ambulance to handle emergencies. This time around, we are seeing cases of people slumping and dying. Many are stressed out and a lot are down with BP. So, this ambulance will be stationed so that once there is any incident, the person will be properly handled and lives saved.
“Another thing we are going to do is to set up a committee to make sure we achieve steady electricity and ensure that electricity bills are affordable, as against crazy bills.
“Lastly, my administration will work hand in hand with the Lagos State Government. I will recognise fully the owner of the land.”
Chief Mekaowulu, a multiple award winner for outstanding security provision, management and leadership excellence, who is also furthering his education at Lagos State University (LASU), said he believed that he was the best candidate for the position of president.
According to him, leadership begins with trusted security, which he has been able to provide without any incident for nearly eight years that he has served as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the market.
“This coming election, I am really prepared, by the grace of God, to run for the office of the president. My chances of winning the election start with security. With the help of God, I tried in this area to make sure the lives and properties of stakeholders in APT and in Trade Fair in general are secured.”
On other achievements of his administration, he explained that, “Since we took over, many good things have been happening. These include the provision of an ultramodern secretariat, an ultramodern clinic and others.
“We renovated our gate to make it modernised. This is like the kind of gates you see in Amuwo and Festac. People who come here can’t believe that this kind of gate is in a market.
“During our tenure, four blocks of extension shops were built. Many plazas were built by individuals, but it was under our government that we acquired the land from the Trade Fair Management Board, which is our landlord. We sold it to the stakeholders.”
Mekaowulu, who said that he anticipates danger ahead and that any wise leadership needs to be proactive, said there was a need to partner with the government of the day more closely and strongly to ensure that people’s investments are protected and there are no further demolitions in the future.
Against this backdrop, he said that if he wins the election to become president of APT, “we will work strategically to defend the market.”
“The message I have for our members is that APT needs a strong leader who will take it to the next level, who will defend them.
“The last time, the way the state government came into the market and demolished buildings made me worried. If you have a capable president, before a thing like that happens, they will call you for a meeting to achieve peace,” he added.
APT has a reputation as one of the most secure markets in Lagos, following the heavy installation of CCTV cameras, through which activities across the length and breadth of the market are monitored by the CSO from his office at the main gate.
Chief Chuka Christian Mekaowulu, popularly known by his chieftaincy title, “Chinwatakweaku Na Okodu Oboli Riru Agu Na Lagos State,” had his office decorated with dozens of award plaques for excellence in security management, leadership excellence and philanthropy.
The awards include:
1. Council of African Youth — Beacon of Hope for the Advancement of Africa’s Development.
2. Visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
3. Umuoji Improvement Union of Nigeria — Achievers Award.
4. Special Achievement Award in Security Management and Exemplary Leadership by West Africa Initiative for Leadership.
5. Celebrated Digital CSO by Makapela Entertainment.
6. Distinguished Philanthropist Award by Ohanaeze.
7. Standards Organisation of Nigeria Certificate.
8. Ambassador Award in Nation Building.
9. Peace Ambassador in Nation Building by Nigeria Peace Magazine.
10. Integrity Leadership Award by Citizen Welfare Foundation.
11. Security Excellence Award by Zenith News International.
12. Ambassador of Peace and Integrity by Leadership Enhancement Initiatives.
13. Humanitarian Gift Award by Hope for All Africa Orphanage.
14. Living Hero Award 2023/2024 by Life Awareness and Leadership Security Initiative.
By Innocent Onoh
